In the first place I would like to thank the Association for the great honour they have seen fit to do me in appointing me their President for the ensuing year. It is indeed a great honour and a sobering experience to occupy a presidential chair which has been filled in the past by such illustrious psychiatrists as Conolly, Maudsley, Crichton-Browne, Clouston, Mercier and Mott, to mention only a few. Not least amongst these names, one day I am sure will rank that of my immediate predecessor, Dr. Drury.